By Martin Banks - 11th August 2010
There is a serious risk of the release of harmful radioactive particles into the atmosphere in the Bryansk province
Rodi Kratsa
A senior MEP has said the heatwave in Russia risks the release of harmful radioactive particles into the atmosphere.
EPP deputy Rodi Kratsa, who is also a vice-president of parliament, called on the commission to "clarify" the potential risk.
The current heatwave and wildfires in Russia have struck in various parts of the country and Moscow's daily death rate is now twice what it would normally be at this time of year.
In a letter to the commission, the Greek MEP raised the specific issue of the security of nuclear facilities in the city of Sarof as a result of the fires.
The letter also highlights "the serious risks of the release of harmful radioactive particles into the atmosphere in the Bryansk province".
The region was contaminated following the Chernobyl nuclear power station disaster that took place in 1986.
Kratsa is calling on the commission to "clarify if there are any conclusions or guarantees regarding the security of radioactive materials and, more specifically, whether there is a prevention plan for the Bryansk province to avoid the release of radioactive particles into the atmosphere".
She also referred to the effectiveness of the European intervention mechanism and raises the question of a coordinated EU participation in the efforts to extinguish fires while responding to the disastrous and threatening situation.
Some 52 people have so far died in the fires.
